Pediatric Interactions is an LLC partner. This post is part of their partnership with Little Lake County. Written by Lindsey Fry, MA, CCC-SLP/L and co-founder of WeeBits and Sarah Rosten, Clinical Director and Speech-Language Pathologist. All thoughts and opinions belong to the authors.
Have you ever found yourself wondering what your child should be doing at his/her age; or have concerns, but aren’t sure where to go for answers? Many parents ask questions such as:
- How many words should my child be saying for his/her age?
- Do I need to be concerned if my child isn’t walking by 15 months?
- Is it normal that my child _______?
- How much of what my child says should I understand?
While your pediatrician can be a great resource, their expertise is in overall health and wellness — illnesses, vaccinations, and emergencies. Pediatric therapists are experts in child development and receive specific training in what milestones a child should be reaching and when.
So, what can you do if you have concerns or would like more information on your child’s development? Find a screening site in Lake County, such as Pediatric Interactions. The therapists at Pediatric Interactions provide FREE developmental screenings. At this time a pediatric therapist will meet with you and your child to discuss your concerns and the skills your child is currently exhibiting. Prior to the appointment you will fill out a questionnaire regarding what you are seeing your child do on a daily basis and what concerns you may have. The therapist will review this information with you and interact with your child to determine where your child’s skills are and what the next steps for their development. The appointment looks more like “play” than a test.
You will leave the appointment with information on what you child is doing and activities, specific to your child, which you can do at home to promote continued development of expected milestones.
A screening is different from an evaluation; it is a “snap shot” of your child’s development. If the therapist feels that more information is needed or that there are delays that need to be addressed, you will be provided with appropriate evaluation referrals and an explanation of the different processes to help you make the best choice for your family.
Contact Pediatric Interactions at (847) 223-7433 or email kriciad[at]pediatricinteractions[dot]com to schedule a FREE developmental screening at our clinic in Grayslake or McHenry. We are available to answer other questions as well.
Pediatric Interactions
15 Commerce Dr #116, Grayslake
(224) 360-2542 | [email protected] | Facebook
Pediatric Interactions and WeeBits invite families to these upcoming events:
Downs Syndrome Developmental Council Monthly Playgroup
Meets the Third Tuesday evening of the month at Pediatric Interactions.
Led by developmental therapists all family members are invited for an interactive group play therapy session. This is a FREE event and Spanish interpreters are available. RSVP to Kathy Murray 847-630-4991.
Show Me Playgroup
Meets the 1st & 3rd Friday of the month from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at Pediatric Interactions.
Show Me is a drop in playgroup for children aged 1-5 years of age. The playgroup is led by developmental therapists and they will teach you what your child should be doing at their age and what you can do at home to help them improve more. The cost is $5 per Family (Cash or Check Only). It is FREE for returning families that bring a friend. Registration is not required, but you can fill out consent form on website to save time if you like. If you have any questions please email Sarah Rosten at[email protected] or call 847-223-7433.
Monkey Group
Meets Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Pediatric Interactions
The Monkey Group is designed to be a preschool alternative providing social interactions to young children and a supportive environment for a child s first time away from parents. It is designed for children 2-3 years of age and without a parent. The program is led by developmental therapists and speech pathologists. Registration is required. Contact Jill White at [email protected] or Kricia Doescher, office manager 847-223-7433 with any questions you may have.
WeeTalk
Tuesdays 10:45 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Street Waukegan
A class for caregivers to learn how to encourage your child to communicate with you more. Activities will be an extension of the Two-year-old Storytime. Using the weekly theme, the instructor will provide caregivers with hands on examples of how gestures and signs can be a bridge for communication as children are learning how to talk and use sentences. You will learn strategies to encourage your child to request (more, help, and other actions words), which can be carried over at home.
These drop-in classes are FREE. A Spanish interpreter will be present and most materials will be translated. Suggested ages: 2 years old
WeeMassage
Caregiver will learn techniques to enhance infant’s growth/development, stimulate learning, relaxation for sleep and self-calming, relief of common ailments, and interactions that promote bonding and attachment. Find more Benefits of Infant Massage. Suggested age: 0-8 month old infants (or not crawling yet) is ideal. Childcare MAY be available for older/younger siblings: $5/class (registration necessary, pay as needed) Click Here to Register Online.
In collaboration with Circus Kazoo, WeeCircus provides a fun and FREE movement based class focusing on simple tumbling, large motor, fine motor, and social skill development. Suggested age: Walking independently to 3 years old with a grown up * Childcare may available for older/younger siblings: $5/class (registration necessary, but pay as needed)
Click Here to Register Online. Due to the nature of the class, there is a maximum of 8 kids per 4-week session!
Happiest Baby on the Block – Group Class
Saturday October 22, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Expecting or new parents will learn the “5-S’s” (Swaddling, Side/stomach position, Swinging, Shushing, Sucking) and receive materials to take home (The Happ Sounds CD, Sneak peek of The Happiest Toddler DVD). Click Here to register online for this FREE workshop!
Teal Pumpkin Project – Managing Food Allergies
October 26, 2016 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
State Bank of the Lakes50 Commerce Drive, Grayslake
Pediatric Interactions is hosting Lindsey Shaffer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, from Meridian Behavioral Health for a discussion with families and professionals interested in learning more about Children with food allergies and how to manage upcoming holidays. RSVP by 10/21/16 to: Kristen Kierna at office[at]pediatricinteractions[dot]com or 847-223-7433. Click Here to RSVP Online.
Pediatric Interactions is a Speech and Language Clinic located in Grayslake and McHenry that supports independence and self-esteem using creative therapy approaches. Pediatric Interventions provides FREE developmental screenings, individual and group therapy, classes, workshops and other resources to help children better communicate.
WeeBits is a non-profit organization bringing awareness and guidance to those families with infants/toddlers who fall outside the boundaries of existing child developmental programs.
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